BTS to go on hiatus to perform military service

Angelique Agarap

October 20, 2022

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  Photo: BTS

  BIGHIT MUSIC announced on Monday, October 17, that members of the iconic K-pop band BTS will serve in the South Korean military.
  
  “After the phenomenal concert to support Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030, and as each individual embarks on solo endeavors, it’s the perfect time and the members of BTS are honored to serve,” the music label wrote.

  [공지] 방탄소년단 병역 이행 및 향후 활동 계획 안내 (+ENG/JPN/CHN) pic.twitter.com/jntF90agO4

  — BIGHIT MUSIC (@BIGHIT_MUSIC) October 17, 2022

  
  Jin, the group’s oldest member, will be the first to enlist after completing the schedule for his solo release. Titled The Astronaut, the song will be released on October 28 at 1 p.m., with pre-orders to begin on October 19.

  #진 #Jin ‘The Astronaut’ Promotion Schedule#TheAstronaut pic.twitter.com/Gf714gePH7

  — BIGHIT MUSIC (@BIGHIT_MUSIC) October 18, 2022

  “[Jin] will then follow the enlistment procedure of the Korean government. Other members of the group plan to carry out their military service based on their own individual plans,” they continued.
  
  BIGHIT MUSIC also stated that the members of BTS are looking forward to reuniting as a full group “around 2025.”
  
  Meanwhile, the members will “take some time to explore individual projects,” according to the agency.

  “As part of the HYBE family, we support and encourage our artists and are beyond proud that they will each now have time to explore their unique interests and do their duty by being of service to the country they call home.” 

  A new law went into effect last year, allowing all BTS members to postpone their military service until the age of 30.
  
  BTS announced in June that they would discontinue group activities in order to focus on individual projects.

  According to Military Manpower Administration (MMA), which oversees military service in Korea, those serving in the Army and Marines will be on active duty for 18 months, the Navy for 20 months, and the Air Force for 21 months.

  Let BTS’s greatest hits keep you company in the meantime:
  

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